With the change in the temperature, one can see how the year continues to shift as it begins to prepare for new seasons.

Just like the weather, change is also happening here at REC. After six years of service our CEO, Dusty Ricks, is retiring.

Ricks led REC’s membership through the COVID-19 pandemic, the passing of our previous CEO, Dale Nye, and the extreme Oklahoma weather conditions. His steadfast service has kept REC financially strong and he had led our membership with passion.

He is looking forward to playing more golf, feeding his cows in the daylight and spending more time with his family.

But Ricks now knows he will be able to enjoy the peace of retirement as REC’s Board of Trustees has selected Darren Townley as the next CEO.

Members who came to our recent Annual Meeting had an opportunity to meet and talk with Townley.

Townley is from Washington, Okla., and has been serving as the CFO for the past year. Townley and his wife, Elizabeth, have two children, Maddix, nine, and Tate, six.

Prior to working for REC, Townley worked at Chesapeake Energy for three years and Devon Energy for 11 years in an accounting and finance capacity as a CPA.

“I am looking forward to this opportunity an being able to serve REC’s members,” Townley adds. “What lead me to this opportunity is caring for our members and being able to work at a place where people are valued more than profits.”

Townley is prepared to lead REC’s employees and guide our Cooperative into the future. He is ready to tackle the new challenges in the industry and find the best solutions for the members.

Just as the seasons change, there is still familiarity in the different seasons. While the people might change over time, REC’s commitment to the members will continue to remain the same.

REC’s Board of Trustees and employees are dedicated to providing our members with the same dependable, affordable electricity they have come to expect for the last 87 years.